Love Waltzes In (Dancing Under The Stars) by Alana Albertson Read Free Book Online Page A

need to take the following week off when you were supposed to start. They’re expecting you both tomorrow evening.”
    Selena stood there, blotting her head with a towel, the self-tanner staining the fabric. “But there’s no flight assignments, just an address. What time is our flight?”
    Benny gave a big grin, his grey eyebrow inching up like a worm. Bret knew that look from years ago.
    “Well, Selena. That’s a great question. You’ll be gobsmacked. Bret, Selena, please step outside.”
    Bret took a deep breath. He was used to Benny’s games but didn’t have a clue what he was planning.
    Benny signaled to the film crew and led everyone outside of the hotel.
    The etched glass doors spread. A lifted, shiny, silver Ford truck stood there in all its glory. It had all the bells and whistles, a huge grill, custom rims, and bright, shiny headlights.
    Benny handed Bret the keys. “Bret, m’boy. This is your new truck! Courtesy of Ford. They’ve donated it to you as a welcome gift for our American Hero!”
    Bret’s jaw dropped. “Are you messing with me?” He stood there in awe of the truck. He didn’t deserve this, and definitely didn’t want to owe anyone anything. The only reason he had agreed to go on this show was to raise money for Pierce’s family—not to be showered with gifts that he hadn’t earned.
    “Too right!” Benny opened the truck’s door.
    This was unreal. Bret wondered what price he would have to pay for this gift. This Ford Raptor was Bret’s dream truck. It had to be worth at least sixty thousand dollars. His stomach ached. How could they just throw money at him? He wouldn’t, couldn’t accept this “gift” when his men were struggling to make ends meet while risking their lives.
    “It’s very generous, Benny, but I can’t accept this. It’s too expensive. My truck is perfectly fine,” he said, the video camera just inches from his face. His ten-year-old basic model GMC Sierra, needed new brake pads and a fresh coat of paint but it was paid off and still ran.
    Benny signaled the cameras to shut off. “Okay, so the deal is, Ford is sponsoring the show, and giving you the truck. In e xchange, we are giving them free advertising.”
    “Out of the question. I won’t take it.”
    Selena butted in. “Bret, take the truck. You don’t really have a choice. Ford is one of our sponsors.”
    Bret’s face warmed. He wouldn’t be backed into a corner. “I refuse.”
    Benny put his arm around Bret. “Mate, you can always sell the ‘ute . We can even do an auction after the season for charity. But you have to ride in it.”
    “If I have no choice. . .” his voice trailed off, wondering how they would manipulate him next.
    “ Attaboy. There’s one more thing. They want to film you both traveling in the truck.”
    “Us both? What does this have to do with Selena?” Bret’s voice dropped.
    “Well, mate, no one knows you yet. Selena’s our star! It’s just one road trip. For your dead mate.” Benny winked at Selena.
    So now they were going to throw Pierce in his face every time he didn’t do what they asked?
    “Road trip? Tonight? I have to stop in Los Angeles to get my clothes.” Selena bit her lip. 
    “You two can work out the details. There’s a camera in the back of the truck that will record your trip. Have a great night.” Benny gave them both a final handshake and sauntered back inside the hotel.
    It was too late to go back. Bret had signed the contract earlier knowing full well what Benny was capable of. “Well, I guess we’re leaving tonight.”
    “I can’t believe we have to drive there,” she said. Her brow was furrowed like it was the craziest thing ever.
    His own forehead crinkled with amusement. “Why?”
    “Well…because.” She placed her hands on her hips. “I mean, no one drives. They arrange first-class seats, and then a limo picks us up. No one drives.”
    “Well, maybe a nice, peaceful drive isn’t your thing, but it’s mine. Especially in